Chapter 14 - The Judge Who Asked One Question
The family courtroom had plain wooden benches, fluorescent lights, and none of the ballroom's grandeur.
Leah preferred it.
At least here everyone had to wait their turn to speak.
Vivian did not appear.
Her lawyers argued that Leah had exposed Noah to a public disturbance and that a "neutral placement" should be considered.
Amir stood.
"The disturbance began when Mrs. Ashcroft attacked this child. We have independent recordings. We also have a finding from child welfare that he is safe with his aunt."
The judge reviewed the guardianship order, the video descriptions, and the petitioner's relationship to the child.
Then she asked Vivian's attorney a simple question.
"What legal authority does your client have to seek custody of Noah Moreno?"
The attorney shuffled his papers.
"The foundation has a longstanding interest in the child's welfare."
"An interest isn't parental standing," the judge said.
She dismissed the petition and reaffirmed Leah's guardianship.
She also directed that any future child-protection concerns go through the proper agency rather than being used as leverage in private negotiations.
Outside, Leah leaned against the courthouse wall and cried.
Not because she had won something new, but because she'd been forced to defend something Rachel had already trusted her to do.
Amir waited without speaking.
When she was ready, he handed her a tissue.
"It's over?" she asked.
"The custody attack is. The criminal investigation isn't."
That afternoon, Price told them a new witness had come forward.
He was a former Harbor House technician who had received an unusual call on the night of the fire.
"The caller wanted the alarm-monitoring company to mark the west wing empty," Price said.
"Who made the call?" Leah asked.
"We have a name. Now we need the recording."
May you like
She hesitated.
"Leah, the call came after Rachel told staff she was still inside."
